Many people walk into a dealership with only a vague idea of how auto loans and financing work. It never hurts to be extra prepared when financing an expense as big as a car, and reading up on the main consumer protection laws concerning auto financing is a smart thing to do.

Staying informed is an important piece of buying a car, and the following myths will show you why you shouldn't take expert theories at face value.

If you find a car that you're interested in buying, only to discover that it isn't actually owned by the seller, you may want to think twice about proceeding with the purchase. Buying a car with a lien can be a lengthy and complicated process.

When it comes to getting your first car, make sure you look at where you stand credit-wise. Your credit score influences whether or not leasing or financing works best for you.

If you see a listing for a late-model used car with crazy-low mileage (possibly 100-200 miles on the odometer), there is a good chance that you have stumbled upon a punched car.

What is our obsession with using fruit to describe things in the world? You can compare apples to apples or apples to oranges, and cars in great condition are considered cherry. Let’s not forget the lemon. There seems to be no solid explanation of exactly when people began referring to bad cars as “lemons”, but we all know why. Lemons are sour, they leave a bad taste in your mouth, and, as far as cars go, no one wants one.

If you're in the market for a pre-owned pickup right now, finding affordable options may be challenging. You might find yourself wondering, Where have all the cheap pickups gone?

When you’re struggling with bad credit, it’s important to plan a budget before a big purchase, such as a car. But how do you know when your budget is truly ready for a monthly car loan payment?

There’s no denying that you can’t stop your vehicle from depreciating in value. But there’s a way to minimize the impact of your car’s depreciation rate on your finances.

Car buyers - particularly those with bad credit who are often on a tight budget - should take care when picking out a used car and keep in mind the recent flooding in South Carolina. Remember: If the price of a used car looks too good to be true, it probably is.